- What is a QuestView program?
- How can I see what version of QuestView I am using?
- When is it appropriate to create a QuestView program?
- How can I print from QuestView?
- How do I view and edit an AS/400 data file in QuestView?
- Do I need TCP installed to download QuestView?
- Where can I find other information about the data file?
- How can I see my 23-digit authorization code for QuestView?
- Why can't I see all the fields in the data file?
- How can I scan on specific fields?
- How do I turn off specific scanning and go back to scanning all fields?
- Is QuestView Year 2000 Compliant?
- Can current programs that were created under release 7.0 on an old CISC system be converted so that they can be used on an RISC system?
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A QuestView program (or a VIEW program) is nothing more than a saved set of QuestView parameters that launch QuestView with these settings in place. This makes it very easy to "program" a data maintenance or reviewing program with lots of functionality. It can be done in minutes as opposed to the hours it may take in RPG or DFU.
What is unique about these programs, however, is the fact that they are AS/400 program objects, which means that they can call other programs, be called by other programs, and pass parameters to and from other programs. This makes them very easy to integrate into user menus and other AS/400 programs.
How can I see what version of QuestView I am using?
There are two ways... The first time you enter QuestView 7.13 or higher, after logging on to the AS/400, QuestView will display a splash screen for a few seconds showing you what version you are using. If you miss that, you can display the version at any time by using DSPDTAARA AQUESTVIEW/VIEWINFO at the command line.
When is it appropriate to create a QuestView program?
It is time to create a QuestView program when:
- You wish to incorporate several VIEW, RPG, or CL programs.
- You need to repetitively update an AS/400 data file (i.e., an address database).
- You need to allow users to view data without update abilities (i.e., an accounts receivable database).
- You need to repeatedly correct Data Decimal errors in packed fields.
- You want to allow users to query a database but they do not know Open Query syntax.
- Just about any other time you need to edit or look at AS/400 data.
How can I print from QuestView?
In order to print from within QuestView, press F10 from the single or multiple-record screen to go up to the menu, then press "O" to display the Options Screen. Then press 4 for print options.
How do I view and edit an AS/400 data file in QuestView?
To view the file, simply type: VIEW [library/member name] at the prompt. QuestView will launch and open the appropriate database for viewing. To edit or update that file (if you have authority to do so), simply press [F11] and QuestView will switch you to update mode where you can tab through the fields and edit them. Note that all of the fields will be underlined. This indicates that they can be edited. After editing, press Enter. The change(s) will take effect immediately.
Do I need TCP installed to download QuestView?
No. That used to be true, but there is now a way to do it via shared folders (although it is somewhat complicated). See the download pages for more information.
Where can I find other information about the data file?
QuestView allows you complete access to a wide variety of other information about the data files you are working with. This information is generally accessed through the QuestView menu or through one of the function keys listed along the bottom of the screen. A few of these function keys are listed below:
[F18] - view database relations
[F14] - view field attributes
[F8] - command line accessFor a complete listing of these capabilities, please refer to the QuestView User Manual and/or QuestView Learning Guide.
How can I see my 23-digit authorization code for QuestView?
In order to see the 23-digit authorization code, enter DSPDTAARA AQUESTVIEW/VIEWKEY at the AS/400 command line if your version is earlier than 7.13. Otherwise, (Version 7.13 or higher) enter WRKVIEWINF at the AS/400 command line.
Why can't I see all the fields in the data file?
This is most likely because you have turned off field display for those fields in a prior session of QuestView. QuestView remembers the last settings you used until you log off the AS/400 and log back on (so that you don't have to reset things like multi-record view vs. single-record view and so forth). You can either log off and back on or simply reverse the changes you made previously. Also, you can execute the command RCLRSC at the AS/400 Command Line. Next, execute the View Command and all values will be restored, and all fields will be displayed.
How can I scan on specific fields?
To scan on selected fields only, press F14 from either the single or multiple-record screen. Then tab to the specific field on which you want to perform the scan. Enter an S into the entry area for that field. If you would like to scan on multiple fields, enter an S in each field you’d like to scan (maximum of 16 fields). Now, when you perform a scan, only those fields with your specified value will be selected and will all be displayed. To display a particular field, use the F14 screen. The scan value is entered in the scan field on the data screen of choice. There are also scan options available on the Scan Options pop-up menu. F16 scans forward and F17 scans backward.
How do I turn off specific scanning and go back to scanning all fields?
Simply press F14 again and remove the "S" from all the fields on which you don't want specific scanning. (If you clear all fields, you go back to scanning all fields.) F16 scans forward and F17 scans backward.
Is QuestView Year 2000 Compliant?
Yes. Even though QuestView is a database file access utility, it has been designed to be Y2K Compliant.
Can current programs that were created under release 7.0 on an old CISC system be converted so that they can be used on an RISC system?
Yes. There is a conversion utility provided within the latest release versions. The instructions are available with the installation instructions. The latest release is 7.4/8.4. The command is STRVIEWCVN.